Morning Coffee Aug 21

At 6-10 and only 230 pounds, Bosh can challenge big and small opponents on both ends of the floor with his quickness and cunning. His ball-handling skills aren’t as appreciated as they should be and only a few outside Ontario recognize that he’s one of the premiere free throw shooters among post players (81.7% from the line last year). His defense has been questioned, but some of that has to do with Toronto’s pace (the Raptors averaged 94.2 possessions per game last year). Even without elite defense though, Bosh has proven to be among the most calculating forwards in the NBA. The Dallas native has always been a smart player, but GM Bryan Colangelo seems to be molding him into much more of a thinker on the court. His shot selection has visibly improved each season.

The Raptor’s bench, which also has Amir Johnson, which was curiously traded by Detroit in a 3-team deal. Jarret Jack also will be a solid back-up to Calderon.

The Raptors will be from the outside of the playoffs looking in and their future is all reliant on how Turkoglu performs this season and more importantly, Chris Bosh’s future. I foresee Bosh moving Stateside to a team like the Knicks or the Heat.